The Best Beer Gardens in Philadelphia for 2017

30+ warm-weather spots for al fresco beers

Beer gardens are the ultimate summertime hangout. Why? The reasons are endless.

Starting with the obvious, it’s hard to beat drinking beer outdoors. Yet, one of the biggest reasons we love beer gardens so much is their versatility. The open-air hangouts are perfect for a night out with friends, a happy hour with co-workers, dinner and drinks with the family and even a daytime hang with kids. (On that latter note, many beer gardens become stroller-central during the daytime – and that’s awesome!)

Fortunately, Philadelphia has numerous beer gardens for one and all to enjoy. There are the established favorites like the multiple locations of the PHS Pop Up Garden and Morgan’s Pier, as well as newer additions and pop-ups like Bok Bar and the Cira Green Beer Garden.

So whether you’re looking for a liter of draft beer served in an authentic German beer stein (Frankford Hall) or a local beer in a waterfront hammock garden (Spruce Street Harbor Park), Philadelphia’s beer gardens have you covered.

Read on for our guide to beer gardens in Philadelphia.

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Spruce Street Harbor Park

The hammock-filled haven on the Delaware River

CREDIT: M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia

May 12 - October 1, 2017
Along with ample outdoor seating (including more than 50 colorful hammocks), local beer and higher-end grab-and-go food available from boardwalk-style shacks, Spruce Street Harbor Park on the Delaware River waterfront features a Caribbean-resort-inspired net lounge, waterfront bocce, ping pong, shuffleboard and other games, multiple fountains and a series of barges with floating water gardens. Beyond showing up ready to drink, come hungry for eats from Federal Donuts, SS Franklin Fountain, Distrito and more.

PHS Pop Up Gardens

Two temporary outdoor escapes with food, beer and more

CREDIT: Rob Cardillo for Pennsylvania Horticulture Society (PHS)

South Street: May 4 - October 2017University City: May 31 - October 2017
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) offers two Pop Up Gardens in 2017, each with a different vibe. One returns to the South Street lot next to Jamaican Jerk Hut, with Cantina Los Caballitos set to operate the garden and serve up margaritas, mojitos and frozen daiquiris, along with a selection of craft beers, burrito bowls, corn on the cob and more. The other heads to a brand-new location in uCity Square at 36th and Filbert streets, where Jet Wine Bar will run the show and delicious Tex Mex style eats will be served from Rex 1516 and Café Ynez.

Frankford Hall

A little slice of Munich in Fishtown

CREDIT: C. Smyth for Visit Philadelphia

Open year-round
Stephen Starr’s Frankford Hall seats up to 240 people outside. The space is simple by Starr standards, complete with exposed brick walls, reclaimed industrial materials and ping-pong tables, and creates a casual, laid-back place to chill out. Classic German foods — pretzels, bratwurst, spätzle — are available at a walk-up counter, as is a hefty beer menu that includes everything from traditional German beers to craft specialties available by the half-liter or liter.

Morgan’s Pier

Perfect al fresco dining and nightlife on the Delaware River waterfront

CREDIT: A. Ricketts for Visit Philadelphia

April 20 - Fall 2017Morgan’s Pier draws people for gourmet summertime food served in a causal setting with close-up views of the Delaware River and Benjamin Franklin Bridge. The expansive outdoor space holds wooden picnic tables, umbrellas, twinkling lights and Liden trees, and after dark, Morgan’s Pier hosts musicians and guest DJs. Come for dozens of draft and canned beer options, spirits from a draft wine and cocktail system and food executed by this year's chefs-in-residence, Kevin D’Egidio and Michael Griffiths, owners and chefs of Helm and South Helm.

Independence Beer Garden

Cold beer and tasty food steps from Independence Mall

CREDIT: M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia

April 27 - Fall 2017
Located across from the Liberty Bell Center, the aptly named Independence Beer Garden brings 20,000 square feet of outdoor drinking and eating space to America’s most historic square mile. The seasonal beer garden serves up an all-American food and drink menu — think pigs in a blanket, burgers and bratwurst, salads and strawberry shortcake washed down by a rotating can and tap beer list from breweries such as Victory, Deschutes, Yards, 21st Amendment and New Belgium. Adding to the atmosphere: Adirondack chairs, games, string lights and ivy-covered pergolas.

Parks on Tap Traveling Beer Garden Series

Beer gardens will pop up at parks throughout Philly all summer long

CREDIT: A. Yee for Fairmount Park Conservancy

May 17 - October 1, 2017 (select dates)
Concession trucks meet permanent parks during the Parks on Tap 20-stop series. The program takes advantage of lush extant spaces and Philly’s wealth of mobile suppliers to bring trucks serving up light fare, craft beer and other adult beverages to spots like the Belmont Plateau, Schuylkill Banks, Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, Clark Park and more.

The Oval+

Pop-up park on the Parkway

CREDIT: M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia

July 20 - August 20, 2017Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Oval returns to transform the asphalt and lawns surrounding 24th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway into an eight-acre, all-ages pop-up outdoor space. Visitors can enjoy giant games like chess and activities like ping pong and mini golfs, dine on tasty dishes from local food trucks and lounge with a cold brew in the scenic outdoor beer garden. This year's Oval also includes several art installations set up along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to Logan Circle.

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest and The Midway

Philadelphia’s first outdoor roller rink and a seasonal favorite at Penn’s Landing

CREDIT: Photo by M. Stanley for DRWC

May 26 - Fall 2017Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is Philly’s only outdoor roller skating rink, complete with a nine-hole mini-golf course and plenty of food offerings from Chickie’s and Pete’s Waterfront Crabshack. Spend the day under the sun on the rink and then kick back with a beverage post-skating.

Uptown Beer Garden

An awesome beer garden in the center of Center City

CREDIT: M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia

May 11 - Fall 2017 (Monday - Saturday)
This popular early evening, Center City spot reemerges for a third summer. The 9,000-square-foot courtyard of the BNY Mellon Wealth building transforms on weekdays for happy hour with four bars and a global street food menu of small bites, sandwiches and burgers, plus spirits, sangria, wine and beer — including three exclusive brews created for the garden with Pizza Boy Brewing Company. Plus, during Philly Beer Week, June 2-11, 2017, Uptown serves as the craft beer festival's official daily venue, the Philly Loves Beer Garden presented by visitphilly.com. Stop by to raise a glass to Beer Week and score free swag from us here at Visit Philly!

Haas Biergarten at La Peg Brasserie

Take in views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge with a drink in hand

Through Fall 2017
Offering a stunning view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, the Haas Biergarten at La Peg Brasserie, which shares a building with FringeArts, offers craft beers aplenty and live performances on select nights in its picture-perfect beer garden. To compliment the garden, the Seafood Shack is back, serving up delicious al fresco eats such as lobster rolls, fish 'n' chips and more.

Skygarten

Enjoy food and drinks 51 floors up

April 19 - Fall 2017SkyGarten combines the dramatic views of the uppermost floors of Three Logan Square with the culinary magic of chef Mark Brinton. Visitors can choose from a selection of drafts, canned German and craft beers, cocktails and a bar snack menu while enjoying a superb vista 51 floors up.

Rooftop Beer Garden at Cira Green

World Cafe-curated tunes meet an elevated park hangout

April 21 - June 23, 2017 (Fridays only)
Open every Friday, this sky-high beer garden with unreal skyline views is part of Philly's first elevated park, Cira Green. The pop-up space is presented by World Cafe Live, so you can certainly expect live music to regularly rock the space as you sip on one of eight draft beers or one of the cider, wine or specialty cocktail choices.

Bok Bar

Epic rooftop views atop a former Philly high school

May 25 - Fall 2017
Each spring, the rooftop of South Philadelphia's former Bok High School turns into a spacious beer garden with stellar skyline views, open Wednesdays through Sundays. A variety of drinks are served alongside light bites and snacks. Head to the south-facing spot during the golden hour to enjoying a beer and an epic city view of the sunset.

Opa's Drury Beer Garden

April 15 - Fall 2017
Tucked behind Greek tavern Opa, the Drury Beer Garden — complete with its own Drury Street entrance — stocks more than two dozen cans, five bottles and eight rotating drafts to complement its casual menu. Within 48 hours’ notice, parties of six can celebrate summer with a PEI mussel or pig roast feast.

Dragon Beer Garden at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Beer paired with 29 epic illuminated lanterns

Through June 11, 2017
Gaze up at the 200-foot-long Chinese dragon lantern at this year's Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival while enjoying a beer, glass of wine or cocktail. The festival's Dragon Beer Garden welcomes visitors seven days a week beginning at 6 p.m.

Dilworth Park

June 7 - Fall 2017Dilworth Park enters the outdoor drinking mix every Wednesday (5-7 p.m.) from June through September during the popular Center City District Sips series. On the large outdoor terrace adjacent to the cafe, patrons enjoy discounted wines, beers and cocktails with DJs providing the soundtrack.

Memphis Taproom

Craft beers, creative sandwiches and an outdoor patio

CREDIT: M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

April 22 - Fall 2017Memphis Taproom serves up an omnivore-, vegan- and vegetarian-friendly menu full of summer backyard flavors from a food truck parked permanently in the garden along with a selection of canned craft beers. Guests can catch nighttime Phillies games here as well.

Silk City

Part diner, part bar and part dance club

CREDIT: J. Fusco for GPTMC

Open year-round, weather permitting
Part island oasis and part junkyard, Silk City’s beer garden is filled with colorful tables, empty-kegs-turned-chairs, string lights galore and garden ornament objects. The hipster clientele at this perennially packed spot enjoys a large selection of high- and low-end beers, and the American fare with a modern flair is so good it’s been featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

Evil Genius Brew Garden

May 6 - Summer 2017
Fishtown newcomer Evil Genius Beer Company debuts its backyard beer garden this year. Come out and enjoy the Purple Monkey Dishwasher (a peanut butter and chocolate porter), the Turtle Power (a grapefruit pale ale) or one of the other comically named brews while relaxing al fresco.

Deck on the Moshulu

Drink on the deck of the world’s oldest and largest four-masted Tall Ship

CREDIT: B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia

May 17 - Fall 2017 (Fridays only)
Chill at the outdoor bar on the deck of the Moshulu, a huge ship-turned-restaurant floating atop the Delaware River and offering views of both the city skyline and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

Free Library of Philadelphia Beer Garden

May 5 - June 29, 2017 (Thursdays only)
The Free Library of Philadelphia turns its rooftop Skyline Terrace into a beer garden beginning in mid-May 2017. Each Thursday from 5-9 p.m., come out to enjoy local craft beers and refreshing cocktails along with a menu of snacks from Brûlée Catering.

Deck at Independence Seaport Museum

May 26-28, June 30 - July 1, September 2-4, 2017
Deck – Independence Seaport Museum’s contribution to the outdoor fun — returns to its second-story perch overlooking Spruce Street Harbor Park for three weekends this year: Memorial Day, the weekend before July 4 and Labor Day. The pop up offers classic summer fare such as burgers and dogs, drinks from Toll Man Joe’s and great views of Philly's seasonal fireworks displays.

Fette Sau

BBQ and beer goodness

Now openFette Sau’s rustic feel is reinforced in its spacious front yard al fresco seating area, complete with picnic tables and heat lamps. Grab a plate of barbecue goodness from the cafeteria-style restaurant and a beer from the bar before heading outside to hang under sunny or starry skies.

American Sardine Bar

Point Breeze's backyard hangout

CREDIT: Photo courtesy American Sardine Bar

Year-roundAmerican Sardine Bar’s backyard patio fronts 18th Street in the Point Breeze neighborhood of Philadelphia. Throughout the warm-weather months, brew lovers can look out for pop-up events. Hungry visitors can pair their outdoor drinks with the $2 namesake sardine sandwich and the salt-and-pepper fries.

Llama Tooth

Eclectic home for comforting foods

CREDIT: M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Year-roundLlama Tooth boasts an ambitious beer menu that pays plenty of attention to local favorites from Yards, Philadelphia Brewing Company, Dogfish Head, Weyerbacher and many others. Drinkers can size up their prospective beer’s state of origin, style and Beer Advocate score before making their selections. Situated across from popular music venue Union Transfer, the mural-clad beer garden also offers a simple menu of salads, burgers and shareable appetizers.

City Tap House - University City

May 27 - Fall 2017
A green roof extending out from the second floor allows for elevated beer garden hanging while enjoying City Tap House’s scores and scores of craft, local and mass-produced beer. Take your pick of one of dozens of options ranging from pilsners to barleywines to ciders, sours and more.

William Street Common

Year-round, weather permitting
This fun University City indoor beer garden expands into a 60-seat patio where patrons enjoy a casual menu of snacks, salads and sandwiches, along with a $3 drink menu that includes cocktails, wine and beers from a rotating draft list. William Street Common is open Wednesdays through Saturdays.

The Creamery of Kennett Square

Lawn games, live music, beer and food

CREDIT: Photo courtesy The Creamery of Kennett Square

May 26 - TBA 2017The Creamery, a repurposed industrial space in the heart of Kennett Square, returns for another season of craft beer and wine drinking, live music listening and food truck noshing. The space features work by local artists and welcomes friendly dogs to join in the fun.

Beer Garden at Longwood Gardens

A beer garden inside one of the world's premiere horticulture destinations

May 27 - Fall 2017
Enjoy a beer at one of the world's greatest garden destinations in Longwood Gardens' seasonal beer garden. Quench your thirst with an array of local drafts from Victory Brewing Company al fresco. Keep an eye out for the garden's new signature brew, Longwood Seasons: OroBlanco, a German wheat beer featuring peels from Longwood Gardens own oroblanco grapefruits.

East Falls Beer Garden

May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17 and September 21, 2017
Every third Thursday, East Falls welcomes locals and visitors to come enjoy a brew under the neighborhood's Twin Bridges. Beer, wine and Revolution Tacos will be served up al fresco and vendor stalls will be stationed to fulfill your shopping desires.

Chestnut Hill Brewing Company Beer Garden

A beer garden in Philadelphia's "Garden District"

Now open
Debuting this year, the garden space at Chestnut Hill Brewing Company will welcome guests for the first time. The brewery offers eight beers on tap (available in 16-ounce and 32-ounce pours) and eight different styles of wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. Try out a selection of drafts and then grab a 64-ounce growler of your favorite to go.

Canstatter Volkfest-Verein Biergarten

Drink outdoors at one of the largetst German-American clubs in Philadelphia

May 5 - Fall 2017 (Fridays only)
Every Friday night brings live bands, cold brews and delicious eats to Canstatter Volkfest-Verein's five-acre park. As one of the oldest and largest German-American clubs in Philadelphia, its taps are sure to include at least a few German options.

Hop Angel Brauhaus

A taste of Germany

Year-round
With authentic German food, European glassware, wooden picnic tables and live foliage, the courtyard at Hop Angel Brauhaus comes pretty close to a traditional biergarten. Open every night for dinner in season, the Fox Chase beer garden welcomes well-behaved dogs and pays homage to Germany with an Alpine-looking mural. Twelve taps change constantly, but one element stays the same: At least a few of them always carry German and German-style lagers.

Fishtown Hops

SugarHouse Casino's waterfront beer garden

Year-round
Located adjacent to SugarHouse Casino (meaning you can score free parking out front!), Fishtown Hops is a new Delaware River waterfront beer garden. Find a menu filled with craft beer options, including an exclusive house draft saison from Yards Brewing Company, along with hearty bar bites, like pulled pork fries and candied bacon. A rotating list of food trucks will also be onsite, serving up tasty eats for you to enjoy in between games of corn hole and shuffleboard.

Pentridge Station Pop Up Beer Garden

Open Thursday through Sunday, the Pentridge Station Pop Up Beer Garden brings an awesome hangout space to West Philly fit for the whole family – puppy members included. The beer garden features a play area with games, fenced in dog run and stage, hosting live music, DJs and karaoke. Various events also take place throughout the season, ranging from drum sessions to disco dance nights to yoga classes.

Admiral's Tavern Pop-Up on Cruiser Olympia

Presented by the Independence Seaport Museum, the Admiral’s Tavern is a pop-up beer garden anchored on Cruiser Olympia. Climb aboard on select Fridays and Saturdays throughout September for an evening experience complimented by live music, wine, cocktails and craft beer on Philadelphia's most historic ship. A different local brewery will steer the ship each week.